Chordoma
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
What are the chances of recovery from a brain tumor?
- Recovery depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Early diagnosis and expert treatment can improve the chances of recovery.
Can brain tumors be prevented?
- While most brain tumors cannot be prevented, reducing exposure to known risk factors, like radiation and environmental toxins, can help lower the risk.
Is brain tumor surgery risky?
All surgeries carry some risk. However, advancements in neurosurgical techniques, such as those used by Dr. Sandeep Vaishya, have made brain tumor surgeries safer with better outcomes.
Introduction to Chordoma
Chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that typically occurs in the spine and skull base. It accounts for less than 1% of all bone tumors but can be highly aggressive. As a leading neurosurgeon in India, Dr. Sandeep Vaishya specializes in the treatment of Chordoma, offering patients state-of-the-art care and expertise.
What is Chordoma?
Chordoma is a slow-growing, malignant tumor that arises from remnants of the notochord—a structure present during early spinal development. Though rare, it can cause significant complications if not treated. The tumor can affect any part of the spine but is most commonly found at the base of the skull (clivus) and the sacrum (the base of the spine).
Key Facts:
- Rare type of cancer
- Affects the spine and skull base
- Slow-growing but potentially aggressive
Causes of Chordoma
While the exact cause of chordoma is still unknown, it is believed to develop from remnants of the notochord, which is a flexible rod of cells in the embryo that helps in the formation of the spinal column.
Potential Factors:
- Genetic mutations: Rarely, genetic factors may play a role.
- Notochord remnants: These cells can sometimes become cancerous later in life.
- Family history: There is no strong evidence linking chordoma to inherited conditions.
Types of Chordoma
Chordoma is generally classified based on its location in the body:
- Cranial Chordoma: Found at the base of the skull, usually at the clivus.
- Spinal Chordoma: Occurs along the vertebrae, commonly at the sacrum.
- Sacral Chordoma: Affects the lower part of the spine (sacrum), often causing symptoms related to nerve compression.
Rare Subtypes:
- Dedifferentiated chordoma: More aggressive and less common
- Poorly differentiated chordoma: Often associated with specific genetic mutations (e.g., SMARCB1 mutation)
Symptoms of Chordoma
The symptoms of chordoma vary depending on the tumor’s location, but some common signs include:
- Pain: Localized pain near the tumor site is the most common symptom.
- Neurological issues: Weakness, numbness, or tingling in limbs if the tumor presses on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Difficulty swallowing: If located near the skull base.
- Headaches: Due to pressure in the cranial region.
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction: Common in sacral chordomas.
Diagnosis of Chordoma
Diagnosing chordoma typically involves a combination of medical imaging and biopsy. The following diagnostic tools are commonly used:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The best tool to visualize soft tissue and tumors.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Helpful for viewing bone involvement.
- Biopsy: A sample of the tumor tissue may be taken to confirm diagnosis.
- PET Scan: May be used in certain cases to determine the spread of the tumor.
Early diagnosis and a detailed imaging evaluation are crucial for successful treatment.
Treatment Options for Chordoma
The treatment for chordoma often requires a multidisciplinary approach due to its complexity and aggressive nature.
- Surgery: The primary treatment method. The goal is complete resection of the tumor. Dr. Sandeep Vaishya is experienced in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used post-surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. Techniques like proton beam therapy are particularly effective for chordoma.
- Targeted Therapy: Certain medications target specific mutations or proteins in the tumor. This approach is still in experimental stages but shows promise.
- Chemotherapy: Not commonly effective for chordoma but may be used in more aggressive cases or in clinical trials.
Cost and Stay in India for Chordoma Treatment
India has become a global hub for medical treatments, and chordoma treatment under the care of experienced specialists like Dr. Sandeep Vaishya offers high-quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.
- Treatment Costs: The overall cost for chordoma treatment can vary based on the complexity of the surgery, type of radiation therapy, and hospital stay. On average, surgery costs range between $8,000 to $15,000 USD in India, which is significantly lower than in Western countries.
- Hospital Stay: The duration of the hospital stay after surgery typically ranges from 5 to 10 days. The total recovery period could extend to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
- Why Choose India?
- Affordability: High-quality treatment at a lower cost.
- Expert Care: Access to internationally trained specialists like Dr. Sandeep Vaishya.
- Advanced Technology: India offers cutting-edge medical technologies, including the latest in radiation therapy and surgical techniques.